NASA PREFIRE Satellites launch successfully
Both PREFIRE CubeSats successfully launched in Mahia, New Zealand on May 25, 2024 (PREFIRE-SAT2) and June 5, 2024 (PREFIRE-SAT1). The two satellites, launched by Rocket Lab, are part of NASA PREFIRE (Polar Radiant Energy in the Far InfraRed Experiment) and will be the first to measure far-infrared radiation in polar regions.
“Ready, Aim, PREFIRE”
The PREFIRE-SAT2 CubeSat is in an orbit very near to what was expected, is in good health, and the usual spacecraft check-out activities have been completed. We are now gathering an assortment of data with our spectrometer to help us properly calibrate our main science measurements later.
“PREFIRE & Ice”
The PREFIRE-SAT1 CubeSat is in an orbit very near to what was expected, is in good health, and spacecraft check-out activities are ongoing.